Australian Landscape & Nature Photography by Michael Boniwell

Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

The Flinders Ranges are the largest mountain range in South Australia with the most popular area being Wilpena Pound, a vast natural amphitheatre of protruding peaks the highest of which is St Marys. Millions of years of erosion has created a landscape that is harsh, dramatic and strikingly beautiful.

The many cliffs of exposed orange rock tend to turn almost red at sunset. In my younger days these represented an irresistible destination for rock climbing adventures with mates. I've been back numerous times since with camera gear instead of a climbing gear and will no doubt return several more times yet, it's that kind of place. Quiet yet alive with wildlife if you look closely. Unforgiving in the blazing sun, yet rewarding at every turn in the track. Towering crests that demand your attention followed by desolate plains still enveloping and serene.

For first visitors "The Pound" (i.e. Wilpena Pound campground), is the place to start. Here you can purchase a parks pass, buy petrol and food, find basic accommodation and avail yourself of the helpful info centre staff to plans walks/4wd trips and even charter a flight. Bring heaps of water, and avoid summer when the flies and heat are a bit much.